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Chapter 24: Did something sad cross your mind?
When Huo Niansheng walked over, he saw such a scene – Chen Wengang standing under a celebrity statue, surrounded by a group of young students, chatting and laughing. A black and brown German Shepherd circled around them, and the leash was held by a middle-aged woman.
In fact, those younger students were also observing Huo Niansheng quietly, and they asked Chen Wengang what his friend did.
Fifteen minutes ago, Huo Niansheng suddenly called and asked if Chen Wengang was at the school.
“I am,” Chen Wengang asked, “Are you looking for me?”
“I’m at the entrance of your university.”
“Which gate? I’ll come find you now.”
“No need, just send me your location.”
On this day, Huo Niansheng wore a set of Scottish small plaid jacket and suit, not too formal but still gentlemanly, mature yet casual. Because it was hot, he took off his jacket and draped it over his arm. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, exuding a carefree and capable charm.
His maturity and aura had nothing to do with the words “college student,” and being a role model seemed too suave and elegant.
Chen Wengang pushed them aside with a smile, “Alright, alright, let’s get to business. Everyone, go about your activities, and don’t forget to open the event.”
“Uh—” The younger students immediately started teasing, “Senior, you’re hiding something; is there something wrong?”
As a frequent guest on entertainment magazines, Huo Niansheng was accustomed to being in the spotlight.
He walked over without any reservations, greeted everyone friendly, and engaged in casual conversation.
The time was indeed approaching. The students rushed to the activity room for their duties, and the dog was taken by its owner to play in the small grove behind.
Only then did Chen Wengang turn to face him, allowing Huo Niansheng to scan him up and down with his eyes.
Suddenly, he smiled and spoke in a deep and calm voice, “Are you still trying to figure out when we met in our past lives?”
Huo Niansheng regretfully replied, “Not remembering is my loss. Give me some time; I’ll think about it slowly.”
“Sure.” Chen Wengang smiled and asked, “Did you come over today for something?”
“Just passing by. I remembered Baoqiu saying you’ve been at the school a lot lately, so I came to check and ask,” Huo Niansheng leaned on the base of the sculpture, arms crossed, smiling as he spoke, “Are you particularly busy lately? I asked her to invite you a few times, and she said you didn’t have time.”
While Chen Wengang was indeed busy, he had no idea about the invitations Huo Niansheng mentioned.
After thinking about it, he understood – Zheng Baoqiu reminded him to guard against fire, theft, and Huo Niansheng, so she was probably also protecting him.
But if Huo Niansheng really wanted to find him, didn’t he have his contact information? It was probably just a casual mention.
He didn’t expose either of them, “A bit busy.”
Huo Niansheng asked, “What are you doing specifically?”
Now that they were in front of him, Chen Wengang took him to tour the Student Activity Center.
Upon entering the activity room, it was the same group of younger students from before, cheerfully saying they had met again, their eyes glancing at the two.
The classroom was divided into two areas.
On the side near the door, two tables were arranged with a prominent sign on the wall that read “Donation Center.” A flashy promotional poster adorned the door, and next to the tables stood a retractable banner introducing activity details and donation procedures.
The donated books were densely arranged in the area closer to the interior. Simple makeshift shelves made of bricks and wooden boards formed several rows, with labels such as “History,” “Literature,” “General Knowledge,” and others posted, creating evenly spaced aisles between each shelf for small carts to pass through.
Huo Niansheng praised, “I didn’t expect you guys to do such a decent job.”
He addressed the students present, but his eyes didn’t glance at Chen Wengang.
He seemed adept at striking the right tone—not overly formal to seem insincere nor too teasing to appear frivolous. Coupled with the distinguished appearance of this visitor, the young students were quite inspired.
An enthusiastic student explained, “Actually, we made a funny mistake at the beginning. Without much experience, we thoughtlessly stacked all the books against the walls, and it ended up forming a book wall, which then turned into a mountain of books. It was so crowded that people couldn’t get in, and the books couldn’t come out.”
Another gestured and continued, “Later, it was the senior along with a few guys who worked overnight and reorganized everything. They planned the space again, creating a flow for incoming and outgoing books along a specific direction, and they made alleys between the shelves. Now, it looks much better.”
Huo Niansheng listened attentively, hands in his pockets, gazing at the classroom as if imagining that spectacular yet amusing scene.
While they were talking, someone knocked on the door of the activity room, asking if they could donate a book, but there was only one book in their arms.
The enthusiastic student went to check, then turned and called out to Chen Wengang, “Senior, could you come and take a look? What should we do with this book?”
Chen Wengang walked over upon hearing this. In her hands was a thick volume with an embossed gold velvet cover, titled “Selected Poems by Rabindranath Tagore.”
It was a meticulously bound book with excellent printing and paper quality, indicating that it had been well-preserved and was in new condition, except for a large ink stain on the title page. Perhaps a fountain pen had leaked, spreading black ink across the title page and even staining the first page of the table of contents.
The owner of the book, a student majoring in arts and crafts, explained, “I’m not a graduate yet; this is actually my design assignment. But, alas, one mistake… as you can see, it ended up like this. If you don’t want it, it’s okay. I’ll just take it back and throw it away.”
The level of contamination wasn’t affecting readability, but it was indeed regrettable, evident that a lot of effort had been invested.
Imperfections in beauty are seldom accepted willingly in this world.
The more beautiful something is, the more frustrating even the slightest breakage becomes.
If objects have flaws, why not people?
The student scratched their head, “If I really throw it away, I’ll feel a bit reluctant. Keeping it myself is bothersome, and seeing it is also distressing. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just forget about it.”
Chen Wengang placed the book on the table, gently caressing its cover. In the end, he said, “Let me think of a solution.”
The book’s owner readily agreed, as if they had found a home for it, now relieved of the burden of destroying their hard work. They left in a carefree manner.
Chen Wengang, carrying the rescued poetry collection, left the building, with Huo Niansheng following closely behind.
Without a bag, Chen Wengang clutched the book under his arm. The hardcover corners were sharp, and as he walked, he accidentally bumped into Huo Niansheng’s arm. Huo Niansheng took the book from him, flipping open the cover and studying it, “What solution are you thinking of? Are you planning to perform surgery on it?”
“No solution at all.” Chen Wengang chuckled at being teased, “I’ll take it to the welfare institution I’m most familiar with, explain it, and if the director doesn’t mind, I’ll donate it to them. If they do mind, I think it’s beautifully done, so I’ll keep it for myself.”
“If that’s the case, why bother? How about I take it and keep it as a memento?”
“What kind of memento?”
Huo Niansheng leaned closer to him, “I’ve given you so many things; isn’t it fair for you to give me a gift for once?”
Chen Wengang squinted at him, his lips curling, “Wouldn’t that be a bit tacky? This is something someone else doesn’t want and is thinking of throwing away.”
But Huo Niansheng said, “No problem; if he gave it to you, it’s yours now. You have the right to give it to me.”
His black Rolls-Royce was quietly parked in the parking space, but its presence alone was conspicuous.
The cars on both sides were parked later, giving it a large empty space as if in unspoken agreement.
Huo Niansheng unlocked the car and bent down to put the book in the storage box. Closing the car door, he turned around, and as if performing magic, he had a small square box in his hand, tossing it to Chen Wengang, “The little trinket from last time; happened to have it with me today. It should have been given to you long ago.”
The pocket watch, previously acquired for seven million, was tossed over so casually.
Chen Wengang opened it to inspect.
On the enamel-painted dial, Romeo and Juliet were still gazing at each other from a distance, exuding a classical and moist beauty reminiscent of an aria.
In truth, he couldn’t really discern whether this was the love watch his father had given his mother. He was too young when he first saw it.
Regardless, in various senses, this was a valuable and cherished item.
Huo Niansheng leaned against the car door with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
Chen Wengang looked up, “Thank you.”
He returned the smile and cautiously asked, “Are you planning to leave?”
Huo Niansheng leaned closer, teasing, “What? You got what you wanted, and now you’re kicking me out?”
Chen Wengang approached, closing the distance, “That’s not what I meant. What do you want to do? I’ll accompany you.”
Huo Niansheng naturally draped an arm over his shoulder and said, “Just take me around the school casually.”
Jin City University, a century-old prestigious institution, often attracted visitors who came to admire its name. At the school gate, beneath the golden signboard, people devoutly took photos, as if they had visited the gateway to the temple of knowledge and wisdom.
Huo Niansheng lacked this sense of awe. He leisurely observed the buildings that had stood the test of time on both sides of the road.
The campus descended along the mountainside, initially established by missionaries. The old teaching buildings predominantly showcased Western architecture, with pristine white exteriors and towering trees. Viewed from a height, the lush greenery veiled the robust white structures, forming a unique scene under the clear breeze and bright daylight.
Walking side by side, with no particular destination in mind, they casually explored wherever they went.
“Is that the library?”
“Yes, it was just renovated last year.”
“The school history museum.”
After visiting the museum, Huo Niansheng remarked, “As a native of Jin City, I haven’t been here many times.”
Chen Wengang held the box in his hand and asked, “I heard from Baoqiu that you studied abroad from high school to university?”
“Studied? Just a gilded exterior.” Huo Niansheng chuckled, “I didn’t pay much attention in class, drove sports cars, and frequented nightclubs. Most international students over there are like me. What kind of studying is that? People like you are the real high-achieving students in the ivory tower.”
Chen Wengang refrained from passing judgment and began sharing his own story, “When I was little, my dad drove for my Yifu. Seeing others set up education funds for their kids, he bought one for me too. He came back and told me to study well so that at least I would have no worries about food and clothing in the future.”
His father, driven by both paternal love and the hope for his son’s success, was flattered by an insurance manager and purchased very high coverage. Although his father couldn’t see it anymore, over the past decade, this investment has indeed paid off.
Chen Wengang had been receiving dividends annually since entering university. Due to the prestigious nature of the institution, there was also a substantial additional reward.
Huo Niansheng smiled, genuinely happy for him, “Now that you have money, what do you want to do?”
Chen Wengang replied, “I haven’t decided yet. But I want to thank him for giving me the confidence to do what I want.”
Huo Niansheng naturally draped his arm around Chen Wengang, but he didn’t inquire about what exactly Chen Wengang wanted to do.
They then shifted the conversation to other topics.
Passing by Lover’s Hill, adorned with blooming roses and a serene artificial lake, there was a Bauhaus-style building nestled in the shade of the trees. Its style was obviously more modern. Chen Wengang pointed it out to Huo Niansheng; it was the art school’s gallery.
It happened to be the graduation art exhibition, and students were coming in and out.
Since they were already here, there seemed to be no reason not to take a look inside.
The exhibition hall was minimalist, with transparent lighting and walls covered in white from floor to ceiling, creating an exceptionally bright and spacious atmosphere.
Chen Wengang had been to this exhibition hall a few times, but this was his first visit to this year’s graduation design exhibition.
Upon entering, the area belonged to the oil painting department, and Huo Niansheng showed great interest, observing each piece one by one.
As he turned his head, Chen Wengang was also studying the paintings on the wall.
Chen Wengang tilted his head upward, and on the side wall, there was a huge frame containing vivid and colorful abstract blocks. Chen Wengang, up close, seemed to be embedded in the painting. His fair and pristine skin blended warmth with coldness, creating an extremely dazzling spectacle.
In Huo Niansheng’s eyes, he was like that magnificent and forbidden artwork.
Among many fleeting and base thoughts, there was an undeniable one—he wanted to claim this piece of art as his own.
When Chen Wengang turned around, he didn’t notice the gaze behind him.
He focused on the next piece, unknowingly creating some distance between them, moving along the planned route, and heading further inside.
Further in were displays from the calligraphy department, sculpture department, fashion design, and environmental design.
The works took various forms, surpassing the imagination of ordinary people. Among them were some truly shocking pieces, indicating that these future masters of art were showcasing their unique talents and striving to end their university careers on a vibrant note.
In the deepest part of the exhibition hall, there was a sculpture head fashioned after ancient Greek style.
The white gypsum head was sharply defined, exuding a majestic and handsome aura like Apollo. However, due to the lack of pupils, it appeared lifeless.
More accurately, this was a complete installation piece. The gypsum head was immersed inside a transparent cylinder of similar diameter, sealed tightly, with the container filled with transparent liquid. There was another striking red liquid flowing within, clearly separated, creating a surreal dynamic equilibrium.
The two liquids enveloped each other, not encroaching upon one another, forming a bizarre state of balance.
It made the head immersed in the jar seem to endlessly drip with fresh blood.
The blood jar, containing the head, was held in the arms of two gypsum hands. These white hands extended from the void, as if embracing the most beloved thing, pressing it against an unseen chest.
The red restlessness, craziness, and unsettling beauty of the entire installation presented a horrifying aesthetic.
Art is infectious.
Chen Wengang stood there, gazing for quite some time.
His eyes reflected a thick crimson, revealing no signs of contemplating anything.
As students came and went, passing by from the side, he remained oblivious.
Until Huo Niansheng appeared from behind and asked, “Are you looking at this—what is it?”
Chen Wengang was startled, shaking his head to indicate he didn’t know.
He bent down to read the label on the base, and the work was titled “The Lover’s Head.”
Coincidentally, the creator of the artwork was nearby. The long-haired guy in torn jeans had brought a friend to visit, but the friend found it “slightly creepy,” leaving the artist with a disappointed expression because the friend didn’t appreciate it.
However, Huo Niansheng intervened and asked, “What’s the special meaning behind this name?”
The guy was instantly invigorated, delighted that a stranger was pondering his work.
He explained enthusiastically, “The so-called lover’s head is actually a classic motif in literary and artistic works. For example, in the novel ‘The Red and the Black,’ Julien, ambitious but manipulated by fate, is sentenced to death. After his execution, Miss de la Mole, who deeply loved him, personally buries his head and bids farewell, cradling the head of her lover. Another example is from Oscar Wilde’s play ‘Salome,’ where Salome, after being ruthlessly rejected by John the Baptist, swears to kiss his lips. To fulfill this vow, she dances the Dance of the Seven Veils, eventually convincing her stepfather, King Herod, to have John’s head cut off. Finally, she fulfills her desire by cradling John’s head in her arms.”
“But my most direct inspiration comes from the Middle Eastern poet Zangi Bukhari’s ‘Roses and Wine,’ with a line that goes—”
The guy excitedly squatted down, indicating that there was another small line of text beneath the label:
[If the head doesn’t roll to the feet of the lover, it’s a burden on the shoulders.]
“Indeed, there’s much knowledge in it.” Huo Niansheng humbly inquired, “How would you explain this phrase?”
“Taken literally… it means a person’s head should fall for their beloved, rolling to the beloved’s feet. Otherwise, living is meaningless, just a coward carrying a head on their shoulders,” the student explained, “The head is a symbol of life. The poet expresses his fervent view of love—true love requires sacrificing the head for the beloved, offering one’s life without regrets.”
“I see.”
“Yes! So I believe that only death can elevate love to its utmost. Only when holding the beloved’s head in your arms does love transcend into something that will never wither. In death, it symbolizes eternal life and happiness.”
The aspiring artist spoke eloquently, like someone who had rehearsed their graduation defense for a long time.
Unfortunately, time was limited, and before he could finish, he was grabbed by his friend and left, reluctantly bidding farewell to his impromptu audience.
As the crowd dispersed, the space regained its quietude.
Huo Niansheng nudged Chen Wengang’s arm.
Chen Wengang seemed to awaken from a dream.
Then he heard the other part ask, “Why are you crying?”
Chen Wengang looked at Huo Niansheng with a slight sense of confusion.
Initially, he didn’t realize the meaning behind Huo Niansheng’s words. Chen Wengang instinctively blinked, and a bit of coldness trickled down his right cheek. Only then did he notice the tear. However, he hadn’t cried, and it was just this single tear.
Chen Wengang was taken aback, and even he couldn’t explain it.
Huo Niansheng lifted his hand and used his thumb to wipe away the wetness on Chen Wengang’s face. “Did something sad cross your mind?”
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